Best Non-Toxic Crayons for Toddlers [REVIEW 2018]

Art supplies always end up in the mouth. So the obvious choice is to get non-toxic crayons for toddlers if you prefer crayons. Now despite the drawbacks for you, like having to scrub all the surfaces your kid decides to draw on, the cognitive benefits for your child’s development far outweigh the demerits.

For example, the cognitive skills applied when learning to recognize colors, like motor skills, are the same skills your toddler will need when he or she gets to preschool.

So coloring is unavoidable!

Your main concern is thus in getting art supplies that aren’t messy (crayons are not as messy as other supplies), non-toxic, while still achieving the very basic function of encouraging cognitive development, i.e they should be just as effective as the toxic ones.

Our Pick: Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons Natural

This is made in New Zealand and is handmade with 100% natural beeswax.

Since they’re handmade, they are sustainable and have a low impact on the environment. So they aren’t as exposed to some of the toxic processes as other baby crayons go through.

Remember that beeswax is very sturdy, after several testings on preschoolers and older kids, who tried biting and throwing around, they endured.

It’s 55 mm long and 20 mm wide, which is a great fit for toddlers.

PROS

This is the purest crayon on our list

It doesn’t contain any of the top 8 allergens (like milk, eggs, soybeans)

They’re washable

CONS

it’s the most expensive on our list. Think of the 730 crayons kids use till they’re 10. You would have spent quite a penny if you keep using them. But remember that eating crayons is a phase, so you might only need them for a limited time frame

How Toxic Are Crayons?

Most toxicologists will tell you that “the dose makes the poison”. So consuming almost anything in excess can be poisonous.

For example, eating up to 500 bananas (not a dare, but I doubt any reasonable person can do that) in a seating will raise the potassium in your blood to fatal levels.

The problem with crayons is that some of the chemicals used are toxic even in what might seem to be insignificant amounts.

For example, a research paper published in the American Journal of Public health found that certain types of dyes used in crayons resulted in methemoglobinemia (oxygen isn’t carried to cells effectively).

In fact, the effect was so prominent that 10 more cases of methemoglobinemia from ingesting crayons were reported to the author after the paper was published.

This was in the 1940s, so a lot of manufacturers have learned to use other non-toxic pigments. (Note that there isn’t a strict definition of non-toxic, so companies can say they use natural pigments but it will be up to you to note the actual ingredients).

Still, in 1994, there were recalls from a lot of the main crayons brands, primarily from China, due to the presence of lead in them.

Again, this was over two decades ago, so there are now many testings in place for a lead in crayons before they reach the public.

Nevertheless, a study, as recent as 2015, found traces of asbestos, known for being carcinogenic, in four of the crayon brands tested.

Your best bet is to buy from that firms have gone through regulatory testings, and have “conform to ASTM D-4236”, which is proof that it has been reviewed by independent toxicologists for chronic hazards.

To ensure that their crayons aren’t toxic, some firms use natural ingredients. You should however carefully review the ingredients to determine how “natural” they are because;

They may have used only a little quantity, like 10%, which won’t matter if the other 90% is inorganic.

Soy wax isn’t necessarily organic if the soybeans used isn’t non-GMO certified, hence it may contain traces of pesticide.

Remember to check for additives. Organic products tend to have shorter shelve lives, so organic crayons with long lifespans should be suspicious.

How Effective Are Non-Toxic Crayons For Toddlers?

How well do they perform against their more “toxic” counterparts?

Note that paraffin wax (used in making crayons and candles) is considered more toxic, not because the wax (a petroleum by-product derivative) itself is toxic, but because the process it goes through leaves toxic residues.

How Well Are The Color Markings?

Plant-based waxes and pigments, when used to make crayons, don’t give off the same bold vibrant colorings as crayons made with paraffin wax.

You should keep in mind that at this stage, toddlers aren’t necessarily art majors, so as long as the colors work, they are a much safer option than their toxic counterparts.

Durability

Some crayons will break just by looking at them.

And Kids are kids, so they’ll stomp, throw and bite the crayons, then cry when it breaks and wonder why you can’t fix it. So how well they withstand pressure is important.

Beeswax, made from honeycomb, are quite tough, and depending on the process used, won’t brittle. Soy wax can be used as well, but they aren’t as tough.

Carnauba wax, made from the leaves of Brazillian palm trees, is the hardest amongst all 3, but they brittle the most. Of course, if you’re concerned about the deforestation effects of using Carnauba leaves, you can opt for other natural waxes.

Does It Wash Off Easily?

Kids will write everywhere, except where they’re supposed to.

The best non-toxic crayons wash off. However why the wash off is usually trade secrets so you likely can’t tell if they include chemicals or use processes that are toxic. You’d have to take their word.

Because your child safety is more important than anything else, you have to ensure that you aren’t knowingly endangering your child.

The products reviewed here are classified into; our pick, the least toxic crayon which doesn’t compromise on effectiveness, runner-up – great but is less effective, Bang for the buck – get your money’s worth, budget and Also great – not necessarily crayons, but are non-toxic.

Conclusion

Coloring has undeniable developmental benefits which far outweigh the cons. So they’re going to be part and parcel of your child’s life, from a very tender age. An experimental age where everything is considered edible.

We’ve noted that while organic crayons aren’t as vibrant as inorganic crayons, but toddlers using these crayons aren’t trying to paint masterpieces, so their health is a greater priority compared with the art they create.

Considering the toxins your child will probably come across in an increasingly unsafe environment, using non-toxic crayons are one of the few safety measures within your control.

My mission is to help every parent do fun things with their kids and offer useful and necessary practical advice.
Nothing is more important than those early years for a baby, so I hope that you’ll find the solution to your day to day baby care.
Welcome aboard!

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